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Thompson proud to take Melbourne Heart captaincy

Matt Thompson insists he is proud to be wearing the captains armband for the Melbourne Heart tomorrow night.

The former Newcastle Jets man will lead the new A-League club into battle in the first Melbourne derby against the Victory at AAMI Park on Friday in the absence of the injured Simon Colosimo and says it is a great honour, especially on such a big occasion.

"It's always nice to wear the armband. I had it last year at Newcastle but it's a massive game and a bit of an honour to captain the side in such a big game in the club's short history," he said.

"It would be great to get a result, not only with our counterparts here, but where we are standing on the ladder, it's always nice to get three points no matter who you play."

Thompson has experienced derbies before, namely the 'F3 derby' between the Jets and the Central Coast Mariners, but is of firm belief that this one will be a much bigger spectacle.

"Back at Newcastle we had the rivalry with Central Coast and I think they just brought it up to be a bit of a rivalry when it might not have been," he added. "I think that during the week before those games you never really got caught up in it but I think it's hard not to once you shake everyone's hands and the kick-off starts, it's not hard to get involved."

And as for a win over their 'big brother's the Victory, Thompson knows it would be a solid result.

"I've picked up the papers and read everything and it is an exciting time. The result we had the previous week (4-0 loss to Brisbane Roar), it's more important that we get three points and it might make it more special to beat the Victory," he concluded.

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.